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December 10 Weekly Connection

” ‘Twas two weeks before Christmas, and all through the church…” Well, you get where I am going – lots of things happening to remind you about!

Many people have stepped forward to help provide Christmas gifts for local families that Donna Wood has been working with. We still have TWO items that we need to have purchased. The first is Ninja Warriors for an 8 year old boy. The second is any items from the Justice Store with the monogram letter “L” on them for a 4 year old girl. There is a Justice store located at Legacy Place and also at Mansfield Crossing if that is helpful. If you can help out with either of these needs, please speak to Donna on Sunday. Donna is also going to leave a list on the Blessing Bag table in the Welcome Center if anyone is interested in providing some “extras” for these families. THANK YOU for helping out – we are a blessed church family and this is a wonderful opportunity to share that with some little ones that are looking for that magical Christmas morning!

Look for 2 inserts in your bulletin on Sunday morning. The first is an order form for thepoinsettias. As is our tradition, poinsettias can be purchased in memory or honor of someone. The cost is the same as last year, $12.00. The poinsettias will be delivered here on December 18th so please have your request in by that date. The second insert gives you all the details on our Christmas Eve services. As we did last year, we will have an early family-friendly service at 5:00 and our traditional candlelight worship at 10:00. Please see below for more details. What a wonderful way to usher in Christmas! Plan on being here for one of these services.

The bulletin board closest to the Welcome Center is the place to post a Christmas greeting card for your church family and friends. Rather than spend time and $ on individual cards, you can just post one card there…and remember to take a look at the board too – those greetings are for you!

If you are able to help out with cleaning up following coffee time on Sunday mornings, that would be great! If everyone took a turn, it would not fall to the same group of folks each week. Thanks for giving this some consideration.

Christmas Eve Celebrations 2015:

~Songs & Stories Gathering 5pm: We will have a family friendly gathering reflecting on the Christmas story, singing carols, as well as enjoying cookies and warm beverages!

~Candle Light Worship 10pm: This is our traditional Christmas worship service with special music from our choir and a guest harpist as well as an encouraging message from Pastor Kevin.

Now that I have your attention…here is what you need to be aware of for the next few days:

Friday evening at 7:30 is Singspiration here in our sanctuary. I am expecting lots of Christmas carols sung and terrific special music. This is an easy way to share in the Christmas season. Hope to see some of you there!

Saturday morning brings 2 happenings to be aware of:

At 9:00 in Veno Hall, the Women’s Book Study meets. Please read Chapter 2 in preparation. Thanks again to Sharon for leading this study!

Saturday at 9:00 is also “Spruce Up the Church” morning! This is an opportunity to spend a few hours working to get the church looking neater and cleaner before Christmas. Scott does an outstanding job of handling the huge majority of work that needs to be done BUT this is a big church with many spaces being used for a variety of reasons. Please come by and spend some time helping out with this need. The women’s study finishes up about 10: 30 so they will be able to join in as well.

Sunday morning worship begins at 10:00. This is the 4th Sunday of Advent. Wonderful Christmas music sung both by our choir and congregation, a great message from Pastor Kevin and a time of sharing our prayer concerns and praises are all part of the service. What a wonderful way to start the week ahead! Coffee time follows in Veno Hall

Serving on Sunday:

Ushers: Russ and Donna Wood

Greeters: To be determined

Kids: Marie, Meg and Deb E.

Lots to keep track of at this time of year. Make note of what pertains to you and also make some time to be in the quiet of the season. It just may change the way you look at the Christmas busyness!